YOUTH BOATBUILDING PROGRAM
Learn to Build and Sail a Traditional Wooden Boat
Discover the joy of being part of a team that will turn a stack of lumber into a beautiful sailing vessel and then sail her on San Francisco Bay.
This course will introduce students to the art of wooden boatbuilding and the science of sailing. The program centers on the construction of a wooden 12ft Norwegian Sailing Pram using traditional methods and then uses the boat as a platform to teach basic sailing skills.
The course is open to students ages 12–18 and will commence in April 2008. Parents & guardians are welcome.
Visit the Students’ Blog
Don't miss the Youth Boatbuilders’ and Sailors’ Blog where students and instructors in the program post their writing, photos and videos about their experiences in the program.
Attend an Informational Open House on This Program
The Spaulding Center will host an open house about this program on Saturday, March 22 from 2pm to 4pm at the Spaulding Center in Sausalito. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the program and ask questions. See the event listing on this Web site.
Program Information
The course is divided into three sections.
1) Learn Basic Woodworking Skills
April 1st to May 10th: Saturdays 1-5 pm
By constructing a small project, students will learn shop safety, basic hand tools use, tool sharpening and wood construction techniques.
2) Build a Norwegian Sailing Pram
June 23rd to August 23rd: Tuesdays and Saturdays 1-5 pm
Students will learn small boat building techniques, planking, construction of masts and spars, finishing and rigging.
3) Learn to Sail
September 8th to November 15th: One weekday session & one Saturday/week
This section will combine classroom lessons with on the water experience using the Norwegian Sailing Pram and other small boats.
Students will learn marine safety, how boats work, points of sail, boat handling, sail handling and knots.
Instruction
The volunteer instructors for each section are experienced in boatbuilding, woodworking and sailing. In addition, there will be special lessons taught by professionals drawn from the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center staff and the Arques School of Traditional Boatbuilding.
How to Enroll
To enroll, contact the Spaulding Wooden Boat Center.
